ih Logo - History, Design, and Meaning
Company Overview
IH is the name of the agricultural machinery producer and distributor from the United States, established in 1902 as the International Harvester, and later becoming Navistar International in 1986. The company was well-known for its trucks and tractors, and also produced small garden and household equipment, such as lawn mowers.
Key Information
- Founded: 1902
- Founder(s): J.P. Morgan
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
ih Logo Meaning and History
The International Harvester was a true people's brand, producing not only large commercial and agricultural machinery but also equipment needed in every household. Due to its wide market, the brand didn't prioritize the recognizability of its logo much and simply used a stylized monogram on its vehicles. The IH logo was redesigned just once, in 1986, to achieve a more modern and progressive look.
What is IH?
IH, previously known as the International Harvester, is one of the largest American companies, engaged in the production of agricultural machinery. The company was established in 1902, and today is a part of the Navistar International Corporation.
The very first logo for the International Harvester was introduced in 1902. It featured an elegant monogram in light brown placed on a plain white background. The overlapping letters had thin smooth lines and delicate soft serifs, adding style and sophistication. The 'H' was placed inside the thin 'C,' resembling a closed ring, while the thick straight 'I' crossed the 'H' in its middle, extending from the top point of the 'C' to the bottom.
The logo portrayed the word 'International' in an elegant, cursive script reminiscent of calligraphic handwriting. The deep blue hue of the text conveyed professionalism and reliability. The flowing script suggests fluidity and efficiency, while the line beneath the text acts as a grounding element, providing stability and a base for the company. This design reflects a company that values tradition and professionalism, with a personal touch indicating a customer-focused approach.
In the logo, the name is presented within a sharp, star-like red and white emblem, which is dynamic and bold. The red color is passionate and energetic, while the white provides a clean contrast that enhances visibility and impact. The geometric shapes within the emblem suggest precision and cutting-edge design, representing a company at the forefront of its industry. The outward-pointing arrow-like shapes could symbolize the company's outreach and expansion.
This logo features 'International' within a blue and white diamond-shaped figure, conveying a strong corporate image. The combination of blue and white is classic, suggesting trustworthiness and dependability. The diamond shape is often associated with quality and durability, qualities desirable in the company's products. The encapsulation of the text within the diamond signifies a complete and self-contained entity, indicative of a company that offers comprehensive solutions.
In 1946, the company hired the famous artist Raymond Loewy to redesign the letter series of their tractors. The result was so impressive that management asked Loewy to rethink the main badge, leading to the creation of the famous 'Man on Tractor' logo, which Loewy sketched on a menu while traveling from Chicago to New York. However, it took time for the company to officially change the visual identity of the International Harvester, and the logo was introduced only in 1946.
The main part of the new logo consisted of two letters: the uppercase 'H' in a massive bold sans-serif, drawn in black, and the lowercase 'i' with square shapes, executed in red and placed over the 'H.' The dot above the 'i' was replaced by a square, giving the logo a masculine and strong appearance.
The 'International Harvester' inscription, set under the emblem, was written in all capitals using a simple and neat sans-serif typeface in black. The letters were slightly narrowed and appeared modest, directing attention to the black and red monogram in the center of the badge.
The iconic 'Man On Tractor' emblem was retained even after the brand was acquired by Navistar in 1986.
The final logo consists of a bold, vertical 'I' intersected by a horizontal 'H' in a stark black and white design. This minimalist approach strips away any superfluous details, focusing on the strong, foundational aspects of the company. The stark contrast of black and white suggests clarity of purpose and a no-nonsense approach to business. The symmetry of the design speaks to balance and equality, reinforcing the company's stable and reliable reputation.
The 'International Harvester' inscription at the bottom of the IH logo is written in uppercase using a traditional and clean sans-serif typeface, closely resembling fonts like Arial Arabic Bold and Akhbar Bold, which have a professional and fundamental character, suggesting stability.
The red and black color palette of the International Harvester visual identity represents the passion and strength of the company. This combination evokes a sense of seriousness and protection, though it can sometimes appear brutal and aggressive, depending on its placement.
